Uff da

Uff da (sometimes also spelled huffda, uff-da, uffda, uff-dah, oofda, ufda, ufdah, oofta, uf daa, or ufta) is an expression of Norwegian origin adopted by Scandinavian-Americans in the 19th century. It is an exclamation that is relatively common in the Upper Midwestern states of the United States.^[1]

Usage

Uff da is often used in the Upper Midwest as a term for sensory overload. It can be used as an expression of surprise, astonishment, exhaustion, relief and sometimes dismay. For many, Uff da is an all-purpose expression with a variety of nuances, and covering a variety of situations. The expression has lost its original connotation, and it is increasingly difficult to specify what it means now in America. Within Midwestern culture, Uff da frequently translates into: I am overwhelmed. It has become a mark of Scandinavian roots, particularly for people from North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, northern Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.^[2][3] Uff da can often be used as an alternative for many common day swear words.

Norway

In Norwegian, uff or huff is an interjection used when something is unpleasant, uncomfortable, hurtful, annoying, sad, or irritating.^[4] Uff da is most often used as a response when hearing something lamentable (but not too serious), and could often be translated as Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.^[5]

Allusions

The following are some examples of how Uff da has become established in parts of the upper Midwest of the United States, often in a humorous way.

• UFF Da Soaps and Lotions sells hand-crafted, all natural soaps and lotions via the internet.
• Uffda store in Red Wing, Minnesota selling various Scandinavian and Minnesotan souvenirs, craft, gifts, and folk art.^[6]
• The Uff da Mountain Boys is a band from the Fergus Falls, Minnesota area, playing Scandinavian and bluegrass music.^[7]
• New Glarus Brewing Company markets a brand of beer called Uff-da Bock ^[8]
• The logo of the Fargo Marathon includes the phrase 26.2 miles  ... Uffda!^[9]
• Panaracer, a Bicycle tire maker, has a tire type called Uff Da! . It is intended for urban Dirt Jumping use.^[10]
• Uff Da Airport (2WI1) is located in Stoughton, Wisconsin.^[11]
• A citizens' group called Uff-Da Wal-Mart campaigned against the construction of a Wal-Mart Supercenter in Stoughton, Wisconsin.^[12]
• There is an OOf-da Taco franchise in Erskine, MN that's been open since 1982.^[13]
• There is an OOVVDA Winery in Springfield, MO that is a homonym for Uff da and is also an acronym - opened in 2005.^[14]
• Westby, WI is home to a general store which is called the Uff Da Mart
• The Uff Da Brat at the Minnesota State Fair in the Food Building.
• Uff Da Hill Road on Orcas Island, Washington.

See also

• Culture of Minnesota
• List of English words of Norwegian origin
• Oy vey

References

1. ^ Uff Da: Norwegian-American expressivity (Tormod Kinnes. The Gold Scales)
2. ^ Clark, Jayne. "True blue North? You betcha!". USA Today. 
3. ^ Lovoll, Odd S. The Promise Fulfilled: A Portrait of Norwegian Americans Today (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 1998)
4. ^ "Søk i Bokmåls- og Nynorskordboka". http://www.dokpro.uio.no/ordboksoek.html. Retrieved 2009-09-19. 
5. ^ Haugen, Einar Norwegian American Dictionary/Norsk engelsk ordbok (University of Wisconsin. 1985) ISBN 0-299-03874-2
6. ^ Writers, John Ewoldt; Lynn Underwood; Staff. "Dollars & sense; What's in store in Red Wing?". Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minn.). 
7. ^ "Enderlin Independent: North Dakota". http://www.enderlinindependent.com/4DLink2/4dcgi/Get_News_Story/PB100069/PB100069-3495/1. Retrieved 2009-09-19. 
8. ^ Williams-Masson, Ellen (2006-03-15). "New Glarus Brew-haha on Tap". The Capital Times (Madison, Wisconsin). 
9. ^ "2009FargoMarathonNewsletter012009". http://www.fargomarathon.com/newsletter/2009jan20.html. Retrieved 2009-09-19. ^{[dead link]}
10. ^ Panaracer Uff Da! 26 x 2.3 Urban Jumping Tire. Panaracer. http://www.amazon.com/Panaracer-Uff-Urban-Jumping-Tire/dp/B001CJZ2B0/. 
11. ^ "FAA Information about Uff-da Airport (2WI1)". http://www.airport-data.com/airport/2WI1/. Retrieved 2009-09-19. 
12. ^ Williams, Beth. "Stoughton Group Wants Wal-mart Plan Reconsidered". Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, WI). 
13. ^ OOf-da Tacos''
14. ^ About OOVVDA Winery (OOVVDA)

Other sources

• Allen, Harold B. 1973. The Linguistic Atlas of the Upper Midwest, Volume 1. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.
• Haugen, Einar. 1957. Beginning Norwegian: a grammar and reader. Appleton-Century-Crofts.
• Mohr, Howard. 1987. How to talk Minnesotan : a visitor's guide. New York, NY: Penguin Books.
• Stangland, E. C. (1987). Red Strangland's Norwegian Home Companion. Barnes and Noble. ISBN 1566198151. 
• Stangland, E. C. (1988-05). Uff Da Jokes. Norse Press. ISBN 0961327405. 
• Lein, Rob. "Vikings bumble in draft? Uff da". Bismarck Tribune (North Dakota). 

External links

• Origins of the Expression